Israeli defence minister says fight in Gaza has 'heavy costs'

The Israel Protection Forces (IDF) are paying a heavy value for his or her army successes in opposition to Palestinian militant group Hamas within the Gaza Strip, Defence Minister Israel Katz mentioned on Friday.

“1000’s of IDF troopers within the standing military and reserves are actually heroically combating in Gaza for the discharge of hostages and to destroy Hamas terrorists,” Katz mentioned in a submit on X.

“The achievements are nice, however nonetheless, the hazards are nice and the costs are heavy,” the defence minister added.

The feedback got here after the Israeli army confirmed that one soldier was killed in combating on Thursday, whereas one other was critically wounded on Friday.

“All Israeli residents should embrace and strengthen IDF commanders and troopers and pray for his or her security and success,” Katz mentioned.

Shortly after Katz’s assertion, the IDF warned residents within the Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza Metropolis to evacuate forward of an imminent strike.

Israel has not too long ago intensified its assaults on Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip.

The acknowledged intention is to smash the Palestinian Islamist militia and free the final Israeli hostages being held by them.

Israeli authorities consider 24 hostages are nonetheless alive within the Gaza Strip, whereas Hamas and its allies maintain the our bodies of 35 others.

They have been kidnapped by Hamas terrorists through the unprecedented assault on October 7, 2023, when some 1,200 individuals have been killed in Israeli communities and greater than 250 Israelis taken hostage.

In accordance with the Hamas-controlled well being authority within the Gaza Strip, 51,439 individuals have been killed since then. The figures don’t distinguish between civilian and militant deaths.

The Israeli army says over 400 of its troopers have died within the combating.